The workshops have been created by Wimbledon’s Polka Theatre and are aimed at children in Reception and key stage 1, years 3 and 4, and years 5 and 6.
The dedicated children’s theatre ran in-person workshops with primary school children last autumn and the new online offering has been developed to reach a wider audience.
The videos use drama activities to bring an interactive, practical and fun approach to talking about mental health at a young age. Using the fictional story of Mo, a boy living through lockdown during the pandemic, children will be able to explore the problems and stresses he faces, making connections with their own experiences and emotional challenges.
All recordings will be accompanied by activity sheets to engage learning further.
Specific challenges the workshops aim to address include declining mental and physical stamina within the classroom, reduced concentration, diminished communication skills, and a lack of independence in younger years.
Polka’s artistic director Peter Glanville said: “Children's mental health is as important as their physical health, and many are experiencing increased levels of anxiety. These filmed workshops, free to schools and the community, are part of a 10-month programme from Polka Theatre, helping children to express and understand the feelings and emotional challenges they are facing.”
- For more information, visit https://polkatheatre.com/home/schools/school-workshops/mental-healh-and-well-being-workshops/